Classroom Ideas for BrainPOP
ENGAGING INTRODUCTION
BrainPOP is a great way to introduce a new topic or concept and get kids engaged. To set students up for active viewing, remember to pause the movies and engage kids when a new vocabulary word is introduced, paraphrase what just happened, or make a prediction.
TAKE THE QUIZ FIRST
Allow the students to occasionally take the quiz before watching the movie. This will call attention to main ideas and important details that are covered.
PAUSE TO REFLECT/INFORM
Stop the movie after the student letter is read by Tim and have students share what they already know about the topic. You can also pause the movie later if a question is raised, or if an issue excites interest.
“I’M DONE!”
Bookmark links of BrainPOP movies or GameUp games for students to watch and explore independently when they finish their assignments.
IMPROMPTU INSTRUCTION
In addition to integrating BrainPOP into lesson plans, remember that it only takes a few minutes to show a BrainPOP movie and take advantage of those in-between times by transforming them into teachable moments. It is also a great way to introduce a new topic or cover a current event.
BEYOND THE MOVIES
With BrainPOP, movies are just the beginning. Try a few of the GameUp games, concept map, challenges, Related Reading readings, or any of our other activities, and help bring learning to life.
BRAINPOP ON THE GO
Have tablets or other mobile devices? BrainPOP is mobile-friendly! Visit www.brainpop.com through your device’s browser to explore our features on the go. To see which features are supported on different kinds of devices, visit our App Support FAQ.
DESTRESS TEST PREP
BrainPOP is a great review tool! All BrainPOP topics and activities meet individual state and Common Core standards. Our movies and quizzes can take some of the stress out of test prep.
TAKE NOTE OF THIS!
BrainPOP’s movies are just the right length to use for note-taking practice. Don’t forget that the movies can always be paused if extra time is necessary, and the closed-captioning feature can provide students with additional support.
“COME ON DOWN!”
Take those BrainPOP quiz questions and answer them in the style of your favorite game show to increase energy and enthusiasm! “Contestants” can press a buzzer or ring a bell as they race to share answers.
SIGN YOUR ANSWER
Teach your students the letters for A, B, C and D in American Sign Language and have them raise their hands with the sign for the answer they choose during the quizzes. One student can easily tally votes to identify the most popular choice.
ROTATION STATION
Limited technology in your classroom? Make BrainPOP work for all of your students! Choose a movie each week that you’d like each student to watch and introduce it on a Monday. Set up a computer rotation schedule so that each student has a chance throughout the week to complete the movie and related quiz or activities.
PAIR SHARE
Purchase inexpensive headphone splitters to allow two partners to watch a BrainPOP movie together. Foster collaboration by encouraging them to discuss or write about what they learned together.
For a printable list of these tips and tricks, download the Classroom Ideas for BrainPOP (PDF) version!
